Trotline container and dispenser

ABSTRACT

A trotline containing and dispensing apparatus which includes a reel for receiving a trotline and a series of hook-retaining compartments positioned on an outer circumferential portion of the reel and opening radially of the reel for receiving and retaining the fishhooks from the trotline. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an apparatus is provided for automatically dispensing a baited trotline whereby the reel is rotatably mounted on its axis and each hook compartment is provided with means for releasably retaining a baited fishhook so that as the trotline is unreeled from the apparatus, each baited hook is sequentially released from a hook compartment.

nited States Patent 1 3, 60,924 eGee, Jr, 1 May 9, 1972 [54] TROTLINE CONTAINER AND DISPENSER Primary Examiner-Hugh R. Chamblee Attorney-Richards, Harris & Hubbard [72] Inventor: Roger V. McGee, Jr., 6011 Gaston, Apt.

216, Dallas, Tex. 75214 [57] ABSTRACT [22] Filed: Sept 1970 A trotline containing and dispensing apparatus which includes [21] Appl. No.: 76,811 a reel for receiving a trotline and a series of hook-retaining compartments positioned on an outer circumferential portion of the reel and opening radially of the reel for receiving and [52] A retainin the fishhooks from the trotline. in a preferred em- 51 I t Cl A0lk97/06 g 1 54 5 27 4 bodiment of the invention, an apparatus is provided for auto- [58] e] o are matically dispensing a baited trotline whereby the reel is 56 R f d rotatably mounted on its axis and each hook compartment is 1 e erences l e provided with means for releasably retaining a baited fishhook UNITED STATES PATENTS so that as the trotline is unreeled from the apparatus, each baited hook is sequentially released from a hook compart- 2,629,l97 2/1953 Duvall ..43/54.5 A ment 3,005,281 10/1961 Reitzammer... 1,768,981 7/1930 l-lenrikson ..4 3/54.5 A 20 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures I8 IO 28 32 I I I l l I J l l l 1 1 l l I 1 1| a 11 11 11 1,? 3 l 22 r l 22 I [1 L I 4 a s \1 1 I I a d I 5 ii.

PAIENTEDMAY 9 i972 3, 660, 92-4 SHLU 1 BF 4 HM! NI'HH:

ROGER V. McGEE, JR.

ATTORNEYS PATENTEDMAY 9 m2 WEET 3 [1F 4 mvEN TOR.

ROGER V. MOGEE, JR.

FIG.,7

ATTORNFYS PATENTEDMAY 9 I972 3. 660,924

SHEEF L; []F 4 ROGER V. McGEE, JR.

ATTORNEYS TROTLINE CONTAINER AND DISPENSER This invention relates to fishline handling devices. In another aspect, this invention relates to a novel trotline container and dispensing device. In still a further aspect, this invention relates to an automatic trotline dispensing device which will dispense a fully baited trotline.

Trotline fishing includes the use of a fishing line which is provided with a number of hooks. These books are secured to the fishing line byshort-connecting leaders which are spaced along the length of the fishing line. The resulting trotline is customarily secured to supports in a body of water such as a stream.

The handling of the trotline is customarily cumbersome because of the number of hook-carrying leaders which are attached along the line. In addition, handling of a trotline can be dangerous, as there are several hooks that must be controlled during the setting, baiting, and retrieving operations. A conventional method of setting a trotline from a boat is to initially attach one end of the line to an anchor or support and then proceed from the anchor or support in the boat while paying out the trotline. The hook-carrying leaders are attached to the trotline at spaced intervals as the trotline is payed out. The trotline retrieving operation is conventionally the reverse of the setting operation wherein the hook-carrying leaders are sequentially removed from the trotline as it is removed from the water.

Various articles have been devised for both storing and dispensing trotlines. However, such trotline containers as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,708,326 are not adapted to automatically dispense a trotline from a boat. The devices which are adapted to dispense a trotline from the boat are generally cumbersome, and not adapted to efficiently dispense a baited trotline.

Accordingly, one object of this invention is to provide a novel trotline container and dispensing apparatus.

Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus which will efficiently and safely set out a pre-baited trotline in a rapid one-pass operation.

A further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus which will automatically and safely set out a trotline prebaited with live bait in a rapid and one-pass operation.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide an automatic trotline dispenser which can be used to set a series of trotlines from a corresponding series of trotline loaded magazines.

According to the invention, a trotline containing and dispensing apparatus is provided which includes a reel for receiving a trotline wound therupon, and a series of hook compartments positioned around an outer circumference of the reel and opening generally radially of the reel for receiving, retaining and dispensing the hooks of the trotline.

According to one embodiment of this invention the hookretaining compartments have a general spiral configuration with the apex of the spiral converging at the reel spindle and wherein a clip member is provided in each chamber for retaining the leader at a point adjacent the connection with the hook.

According to another embodiment of this invention, each of the hook-retaining compartments generally comprises a radial section opening to an outer circumference of the reel, and a resilient closure for the compartment opening.

In still another embodiment of this invention, each hookcontaining compartment communicates with a well for receiving water and a hook baited with live bait.

In a further embodiment of this invention, the trotline reel is provided with a resilient diameter control means to compensate for line shrinkage and stretching.

In still a further embodiment of this invention, an automatic trotline setting apparatus is provided with a removable drum section of the reel such that pre-loaded drum sections (magazines) can be sequentially fixed thereto in corresponding sequential trotline setting operations.

This invention can be more clearly understood from a study of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view partially in section showing a preferred trotlinecontaining and dispensing apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view along-lines 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the basic apparatus of FIG. 1 dispensing a trotline while attached to a boat;

FIG. 6 is a partial detail view of an alternative hook-retaining clip which can be used in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another embodiment of this invention which utilizes a removable drum section;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view partially in section of another embodiment of this invention suitable for automatically dispensing a trotline baited with live bait;

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded view showing another embodiment of this invention; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the trotline-dispensing apparatus of FIG. 9, showing a baited trotline being dispensed therefrom.

Now referring to FIGS. 1-4, and in particular to FIG.3, trotline containing and dispensing device 10 generally comprises a reel section which is formed by drum 12 and opposed flanges 14 and 16. Drum 12 is rotatably mounted on shah 18 which passes axially therethrough via tubular section 20.

Flange 14 carries a series of sidewall members 22. Sidewall members 22 generally have a spiral configuration from the peripheral upper portion of tubular section 20 to the edge of flange 14 to thereby form compartments therebetween of a general radial nature but wherein their sidewalls traverse the radius of flange 14.

The angle at which sidewall members 22 traverse the radius of flange 14, will depend upon the particular trotline which is utilized and the corresponding length of each leader and the spacing between each leader on the basic fishline. Generally, it is preferred that sidewall members 22 traverse the radius of flange 14 at the angle that a fully extended leader intersects the drum when the trotline is being unreeled therefrom and the fishline is substantially tangential to the drum such as illustrated in FIG. 5. The lower outside portion of each sidewall member 22 carries a curved section 24 terminating in a leader-retaining notch 26. Each leader-retaining notch 26 is so shaped to provide a clipping" or retaining action on a leader in that it must beslightly deformed when engaged therewith. Closure 28 comprises a disc made preferably of a transparent plastic material having a center aperture 30 for communication with tubular section 20 of drum 12. Closure 28 is retained upon sidewall members 22 by the action of lock ring 32 and spindle 18. Lock ring 32 comprises an annular body made of a tough, resilient plastic such as nylon with a locking bar 320, which is integrally and pivotally connected to ring 32 at point 32b and carries movable end 320 contained within a slot on the inside periphery of lock ring 32 opposite point 32b. Thus, when closure 28 is in operative position, locking bar 32a of lock ring 32 communicates through slot 34 in the upper portion of shaft 18, to thereby lock closure 28 upon sidewall members 22 carried by flange 14.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, spindle 18 carries continuous shoulder 36, which rests in movable relationship with the lower tubular portion 21 of tubular section 20 which extends within the interior of drum l2. Handle section 38 is slidably mounted on the lower portion of spindle 18, but retained thereupon by slot 40 and pin 42. It is preferred that lower tubular portion 21 of tubular section 20 extend beyond flange 14 within drum 12 at a distance generally corresponding to the average width of an index finger. Thus, device 10 can be operated by the fishermans hand whereby section 38, and spindle 18 can be grasped with three fingers and palm, while tubular portion 21 can be lightly grasped with the thumb and the index finger. Pressure by the index finger and thumb upon tubular portion 21 will control the speed of rotation of device 10 as the trotline is payed out.

Automatic diameter control plates 44 are secured to the circumference of drum 12 by nut and bolt assemblies 46. Each automatic diameter control plate 44 comprises an arcuate body having a greater curvature than the curvature of drum 12 and is made of a resilient material such as nylon. Automatic diameter control plates 44 are secured at their middle portion to drum 12 by nut and bolt assemblies 46 to therefore allow end sections 48 thereof to extend a fixed distance from the outer periphery of drum l2. Arcuate sections 50 of automatic diameter control plates 44 comprise a series of resilient fingers 51 and extend outwardly from each plate 44 and in contact with flanges l4 and 16 to contain a trotline as it is wound thereupon. Elastic member 52 is affixed to drum 12 via a nut and bolt assembly 46 and carries connecting loop 54 on its outer end for connection with the end of the trotline. Elastic member 52 can be made of any suitable elastomer such as synthetic rubber.

In the operation of the trotline containing and dispensing device of FIGS. l-4, an end of trotline 60 is initially secured to connecting loop 54, or if elastic member 52 is not to be used, the connecting end can be secured to a nut and bolt assembly 46. Next, the trotline is wound over automatic diameter control plates 44 positioned around the periphery of drum 12.

Referring to FIG. 1, the trotline is wound in a clockwise direction which corresponds to the direction to which each spiral compartment converges at its apex. The first hook 56 is placed within a compartment and its leader 58 is secured within leader-retaining notch 26, which will be the leftmost retaining notch of each compartment, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Next, the leader together with the trotline 60, is again wound around drum 12. It is noted that the circumference of drum 12 is a constant fraction (or multiple) of the spacing between the leaders on trotline 60. Next, the second hook 62 is placed within the second hook compartment which is counterclockwise in direction from the first hook compartment. Its leader 64 is retained within a leader-retaining notch 26, and again the trotline and leader are wound about drum 12. It is noted that as a second locking action, leader 64 of second hook 62 is passed under curved section 24, and adjacent leader 58 of the first hook compartment containing hook 56. This process is continued until the trotline hooks are fully loaded within the individual hook compartments. It is noted that during the placement of the first hook 56 within a corresponding hook compartment, the action of automatic diameter control plates 44 will compensate for any line shrinkage or stretching. Thus, if the trotline 60 has shrunken, the end sections 48 of automatic diameter control plates 44 will be forced in the direction of drum 12 to a greater degree than when trotline 60 has stretched slightly to assure that succeeding hooks fit properly within their corresponding compartments.

It is noted that the initial trotline loading operation can be conducted with either baited or unbaited hooks. If the loading operation occurs with unbaited hooks and it is thereafter decided to bait the trotline before it is dispensed, then each leader such as 58 is removed from its leader-retaining notch 26 to free each hook which is then baited. Next, each leader is placed within its retaining notch 26 as the baited hook is placed in its compartment.

To set the trotline from device 10, the free end of the trotline is initially secured to an anchor such as a rock, limb, or any other suitable means. Referring to FIG. 4, the fisherman will initially extend handle section 38 and grasp it and spindle 18 with three fingers and the palm while grasping tubular section 21 with the index finger and the thumb. The fishennan will then move away from the anchored end of the trotline such as via a boat, while holding device 10 stationary with his hand. The movement of device 10 away from the anchored line will draw tension on the fishline and result in rotation of drum 12 about spindle 18. As drum 12 rotates, and the trotline is payed out, tension is placed on succeeding leader lines such as is illustrated in FIG. 5. As the leader lines are pulled from around drum 12, they will sequentially release from leaderretaining notches 26 and thereby pull succeeding hooks (baited if desired) from the hook compartments. When the boat travels a distance corresponding to the length of the trotline, tension will be placed upon elastic member 52. This will allow sufiicient play between the end of the trotline and device 10 to prevent device 10 from being pulled from the fishermans hand as the boat stops.

Altemately, instead of manually holding device 10, it can be mounted on a suitable spindle such as spindle 66 attached to the side of a boat, as illustrated in FIG. 5. As shown in dotted line, spindle 66 is provided with a continuous shoulder 68 upon which lower cylindrical portion 21 rests. Thus, spindle 66 generally confonns in configuration with spindle 18 except it is attached to the side of a boat 70 via frame 72. The upper proportion of spindle 66 carries an aperture through which locking bar 32a of lock ring 32 extends in the same manner as is illustrated in FIG. 3. The device 10 as mounted on frame 72 and spindle 66 is dispensed in the same manner as when mounted on spindle 18 except the fisherman does not handle device 10 during the dispensing operation.

When retrieving a trotline with device 10, the operation is very simple and corresponds substantially to the initial loading operation wherein the trotline is wound about automatic diameter control members 44 on drum 12 and the hooks are sequentially placed within the hook compartments and the leaders retained within retaining notch 26.

Various modifications of device 10 can be utilized, for example, it is within the scope of this invention to include retaining notches in other positions than at the lower outer region of sidewall members 22. For example, FIG. 6 is a partial detail view of an opening of a hook compartment formed by flange l4 and two sidewall sections 220 whereby notch 26a is placed in the outer rim of flange 14 between the two sidewall members. As illustrated, notch 26a generally corresponds in shape to notch 26 except that it is positioned to incline or open to the direction from which the trotline and leaders will unwind from the drum 12. It is noted that other retaining means can be utilized within dispensing compartments. Some other means are illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 which will be explained in detail (below). In addition, it is within the scope of this invention to position magnets within each hook companment such as by attachment to flange 14 or sidewalls 22 therewithin to retain the hooks. The magnets are particularly suitable when utilizing device 10 solely as a means to dispense an unbaited trotline, and as a trotline storage device.

Other modifications of trotline-containing and dispensing device 10 can be utilized, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Referring to FIG. 7, drum 12 of FIG. 3 is replaced by cooperating drum sections 12a and 12b. This device 10a is particularly suitable when setting out a series of trotlines. In this instance, several drum sections 12b pre-wound with trotlines can be utilized. As illustrated in FIG. 7, drum section 12a generally corresponds in shape to drum 12 illustrated in FIG. 3. Drum section 12a carries a pair of locking lugs 74 extending from its outer periphery. Drum section 12b comprises a shell section combined with a continuous flange section 16a on its lower outside periphery. In addition, drum section 12b carries locking slots 76, which are generally of an L-shape, and are adapted to cooperate with locking lugs 74. Thus, drum section 12b is loaded upon drum section 12a by initially aligning locking slots 76 with locking lugs 74 and sliding drum section 12b thereover. Drum section 12b is then turned in a clockwise manner relative to drum section 12a to lock the inserted locking lugs 74 within the short legs 76a of locking slots 76. It is noted, that trotline 78 wound upon drum section 12b, carries a series of hooks 77 contained within protective covers 78 such as cellophane or polyethylene bags. Each bag is numbered to correspond with the position of each contained hook on trotline 78 wound on drum section 12b. For example, the very first hook on the trotline wound upon drum section 12b can be numbered 1, and subsequent hooks are then sequentially numbered. It is noted that correspondingly numbered hook compartments are contained between flange 14 a and closure 28a the same as in FIGS. l-4. Thus, after drum section 12b has been inserted upon section 120, individual hooks can be inserted within like numbered hook compartments. The hooks can be pre-baited with a nonperishable bait, or with a perishable bait and drum section 12b maintained under refrigeration or freezing conditions before use, or the hooks can be merely contained in a bag containing "stink" bait. In addition, if desired, automatic diameter control plates 44 can be contained upon the periphery of drum section 12b. Spindle l8 cooperates with this modified trotline containing and dispensing device a in the same manner as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

Now referring to FIG. 8, a modification of the device as illustrated in FIG. 1 is shown. Device 10b includes live bait compartments 80, such as illustrated in dotted line. In this instance, the drum upon which the trotline is wound is made up of an outer wall 82 and an inner wall 84 wherein a series of live bait compartments 80 are positioned therebetween. Each live bait compartment communicates with a hook compartment which opens generally radially of flange 90. In this instance, it is preferable to include a rounded rim 86 at the opening of each bait compartment to assure that the hook being retrieved from the hook compartment will not snag on a sharply angled edge.

Spindle 18 and lock ring 32 operate the same in the device 10b (FIG. 8) as explained in relation to device 10 of FIGS. 1-4. Flange 88 is integrally attached to the bottom of the drum formed by sidewalls 82 and 86 to form the bottom of bait compartment 80. Flange 90 extends from rounded rim 86 outwardly beneath sidewalls 92 of bait compartments 80. Sidewalls 92 are angled to the radius of the drum in the same manner as sidewall members 22 of FIGS. 14. It is noted that lower outer portion of each sidewall 92 carries a leader-retaining notch 94 which is substantially the same as leader-retaining notch 26 of device 10 of FIG. 3. Closure 96 is retained upon the upper portion of sidewalls 92 by the action of locking ring 32 on spindle 18 described above. Top closure 96 is substantially the same as top closure 28 of device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 except with an additional feature of winding knob 98. Winding knob 98 includes an upper handle portion 98a and a lower locking portion 98b, which is contained in the underside of top closure 96, which two portions are coupled by cylindrical portion 98c which is slidably mounted through aperture 100 in top closure 96. Winding knob 98 is utilized basically to rewind the trotline upon the device. When this is desired, winding knob 98 is pulled outwardly through aperture 100 until locking portion 98b is firmly against the underside of closure 96. At this point, locking portion 96b will rest between and against two adjacent sidewalls 92 to prevent top closure 96 from rotating separately of the rest of the device. Thus, the fisherman will grasp spindle 18 with one hand and winding knob 98 with the other and rotate winding knob 98 relative to spindle 18, pausing at each leader attachment to insert a hook within a hook compartment and retain its leader within a leader-retaining notch 94. It is noted that the feature of winding knob 98 can be included on any of the other embodiments of this invention.

Now referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, another embodiment of this invention is illustrated in detail. Device 100 includes a reel formed from hollow drum member 1102 together with flanges 104 and 106. Flanges 106 carry radial sidewall members 108. Adjacent sidewall members 108 cooperate to form the hookretaining compartments. Each of the hook-retaining compartments carries a bottom sloping section 110. Each bottom section 1 10 slopes from the rightmost to the leftmost sidewall 108 of each hook-retaining compartment. In essence, the bottom section 110 slopes downwardly in a clockwise direction around the circumference of device 10c, the direction in which the trotline is wound about the drum. Thus, each bottom section 110 traverses the sidewall 108 which is closest to the tangent which is formed between the drum and the trotline being unwound therefrom to thereby provide a smooth surface over which each hook must pass as it is pulled from the hook compartment.

Leader guide posts 112 extend approximately outwardly .of rim 106 from a position under each sidewall 108. Spindle 114 has a lower configuration substantially that of spindle 18 and is journaled through aperture 116. The upper portion of spindle 114 carries a concentrically mounted locking post 118. Top closure carries a series of resiliently mounted locking flaps 122 about its outer periphery, each adapted to align with a fishhook retaining compartment. The lower portion of each locking flap 122 is slightly rounded so that it will completely cover the opening of these fishhook compartments between leader guide posts 118 as illustrated in FIG. 10. Top closure 120 rests upon the top of sidewalls 108 and is locked into position by washer 124 and locking pin 126, which communicates through aperture 127 within locking post 118 of spindle 114. It is noted that resilient locking flaps 122 can be made of any resilient material, such as nylon or a series of stiff brush bristles, or the like. In addition, it is within the scope of this invention to mount resilient locking flaps 122 on flange 106 or sidewall members 112 in alignment with each fishhook compartment.

' To load device 10c as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, such as with a baited trotline, the first end of the trotline is secured to drum 102 such as by bolt assemblies (not shown) or any other suitable means. The trotline is then wrapped in a counterclockwise direction around drum 102 and hooks are sequentially placed within the hook-retaining compartments formed between sidewalls 108. Each leader from a hook-retaining compartment is passed underneath a leader-guide post 112, which is positioned at the downslope of each bottom section 110. In this way, the trotline is wrapped clockwise around drum 102 as the hook compartments are sequentially filled in a counterclockwise direction. After the trotline has been wound upon drum 102 and the individual hooks are retained within the hook compartments, top closure 120 is operatively positioned upon sidewalls 108 in a manner as illustrated in FIG. 10. The trotline can then be dispensed from device 10c by securing the free end of the trotline to an anchor, retaining spindle 114 and moving the device 10c away from the anchored end of the trotline. This action will cause trotline 128 to unreel from device 10c and rotate device 10c in a clockwise direction and thereby sequentially pull each gaited hook from a hook compartment via a leader 130 as illustrated in FIG. 10. The hook passes over bottom section 110 and from under a resilient locking flap 122 as it passes free from the hook-retaining compartment.

It is noted that in devices 10, 10a, 10b and 10c the automatic diameter control plates 44 can be optionally used. While in most instances it is desirable to include these plates together with elastic member 52 as illustrated in FIG. 4, the trotline devices can be operated without these features. In addition, the various features of each device can be reversed to receive a trotline wound thereabout in a counterclockwise direction. Also, the hook compartments can be inverted with the drum on top, or they can be stacked to cooperate with one or more drums, or, they can be placed on both ends of the drum. Thus, while this invention has been described in relation to its preferred embodiments, it is quite evident that various modifications will now become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading this specification, and it is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Iclaim:

1. A trotline containing and dispensing device comprising:

a. a reel section for receiving a trotline wound thereupon, said trotline having a series of hook-carrying leaders sequentially positioned thereon; and

. a series of partition members on said reel section providing fishhook retaining compartments which correspond with said series of hook-carrying leaders, each said compartment comprising an enclosure of sufficient size to receive a baited fishhook and having an opening positioned generally radially of said reel and a notch means provided on each partition member and carried adjacent each opening for fiictionally engaging and thereby releasably retaining a leader having its hook inserted within the compartment.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said reel section is mounted upon a spindle means.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein each of said compartments is formed by a bottom and top section separated by first and second spaced sidewall.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said sidewalls of each compartment are positioned at substantially the same angle traversing the radius of said reel.

5. A trotline-containing and dispensing device comprising:

a. a reel section for receiving a trotline wound thereupon, said trotline having a series of hook carrying leaders sequentially positioned thereon;

b. a series of fishhook-retaining compartments carried by said reel and opening generally radially thereof for receiving and retaining said fishhooks from said trotline as it is wound on said reel, each said compartment formed by a bottom and top section separated by first and second spaced sidewalls, and wherein the bottom section of each compartment is angled adjacent its opening transversely of the first sidewall thereof; and

c. a closure member pivotally connected over the opening of each compartment.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising diameter control means positioned on said reel for altering the diameter of said reel in response to tension of said trotline.

7. A device for containing and dispensing a trotline which includes a line having a series of hook-carrying leaders positioned thereon, said device comprising:

a. a reel formed of a drum section carrying first and second spaced continuous flanges and adapted to receive said trotline wound thereupon between said flanges:

b. a series of partition members positioned on said first flange, providing fishhook compartments, each said compartment comprising an enclosed space of sufficient size to receive a baited fishhook and having an opening generally radially of said reel, and a notch means provided on each partition member and carried adjacent each said opening for frictionally engaging and thereby releasably retaining a leader having its hook inserted within the compartment; and

c. a spindle means upon which said reel is rotatably mounted.

8. The device of claim wherein each of said hook compartments comprises a bottom section and top section separated by first and second sidewall sections.

9. The device of claim 11 wherein each of said sidewalls for each compartment is angled adjacent the opening of said compartment in identical manner traverse to the radius of said drum.

10. The device of claim 7 wherein said reel comprises an outer drum section carrying said first flange thereupon and adapted to lock with an inner drum section carrying said second flange thereupon.

11. The device of claim 7 further comprising an elastic member attached to said reel for connection with said trotline.

12. The device of claim 10 further comprising diameter control means positioned on the periphery of said drum for controlling the effective diameter thereof in response to tension on said trotline.

13. The device of claim 10 further comprising a winding knob means positioned on an upper peripheral portion of said drums adjacent said hook compartments.

14. A device for containing and dispensing a trotline which includes a line having a series of hook-carrying leaders positioned thereon, said device comprising:

a. a reel formed of a drum section carrying first and second spaced continuous flanges and adapted to receive said trotline wound thereupon between said flanges;

b. a series of hook compartments positioned on said first flange and opening generally radially thereof, each of said compartments comprising a bottom section and a top section separated by first and second sidewall sections, each of said sidewall sections being angled adjacent the opening of said compartment in identical manner transverse to the radius of said drum, and a well section communicating with said bottom section for retaining a reservoir of water, and means for releasably retaining a fishhook of said trotline therewithin; and

c. a spindle means upon which said reel is rotatably mounted.

15. A device for containing and dispensing a trotline which includes a line having a series of hook-carrying leaders positioned thereon, said device comprising:

a. a reel formed of a drum section carrying first and second spaced continuous flanges and adapted to receive said trotline wound thereupon between said flanges;

b. a series of hook compartments positioned on said first flange and opening generally radially thereof, each compartment comprising a bottom section and a top section separated by first and second sidewall sections, a well section communicating with said bottom section for retaining a reservoir of water, and means for releasably retaining a fishhook of said trotline therewithin; and

c. a spindle means upon which said reel is rotatably mounted.

16. A device for containing and dispensing a trotline which includes a line having a series of hook-carrying leaders positioned thereon, said device comprising:

a. a reel formed of a drum section carrying first and second spaced continuous flanges and adapted to receive said trotline wound thereupon between said flanges;

b. a series of hook compartments positioned on said first flange and opening generally radially thereof, each compartment comprising a bottom section and a top section separated by first and second sidewall sections, said bottom section being angled adjacent each opening transversely of the first sidewall thereof;

c. a closure member pivotally connected over the opening of each said hook compartment; and

d. a spindle means upon which said reel is rotatably mounted.

17. A device for containing and dispensing a trotline which includes a line having a series of hook-carrying leaders positioned thereon, said device comprising:

a. a reel formed of a drum section carrying first and second spaced continuous flanges and adapted to receive said trotline wound thereupon between said flanges, the internal configuration of said reel being hollow and enclosed by said first flange and open at the end adjacent said second flange, said first flange carrying a tubular section extending from the axis thereof into said internal configuration;

b. a series of hook compartments positioned on said first flange and opening generally radially thereof, each compartment carrying means for releasably retaining a fishhook of said trotline therewithin; and

c. a spindle means journaled through said tubular section, said spindle means carrying seating means adapted to seat on the lower end of said tubular section within said internal configuration.

18. The device of claim 27 wherein the lower portion of said spindle below said seating means carries an extendable handle section.

19. A trotline containing and dispensing device comprising:

a. a reel section for receiving a trotline wound thereupon, said trotline having a series of hook-carrying leaders sequentially positioned thereon; and

b. a series of partition members carried on a base means on said reel providing fishhook-retaining compartments which correspond with said series of hook-carrying leaders, each said compartment comprising an enclosure of sufficient size to receive a baited fishhook and having an opening positioned generally radially of said reel and a notch means provided on said base member and adjacent each opening for frictionally engaging and thereby releasably retaining a leader having its hook inserted within the compartment.

20. A device for containing and dispensing a trotline which includes a line having a series of hook-carrying leaders positioned thereon, said device comprising:

a. a reel formed of a drum section carrying first and second spaced continuous flanges and adapted to receive said trotline wound thereupon between said flanges:

b. a series of partition members positioned on said first rotatably mounted.

t t t i 

1. A trotline containing and dispensing device comprising: a. a reel section for receiving a trotline wound thereupon, said trotline having a series of hook-carrying leaders sequentially positioned thereon; and b. a series of partition members on said reel section providing fishhook retaining compartments which correspond with said series of hook-carrying leaders, each said compartment comprising an enclosure of sufficient size to receive a baited fishhook and having an opening positioned generally radially of said reel and a notch means provided on each partition member and carried adjacent each opening for frictionally engaging and thereby releasably retaining a leader having its hook inserted within the compartment.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said reel section is mounted upon a spindle means.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein each of said compartments is formed by a bottom and top section separated by first and second spaced sidewall.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein said sidewalls of each compartment are positioned at substantially the same angle traversing the radius of said reel.
 5. A trotline-containing and dispensing device comprising: a. a reel section for receiving a trotline wound thereupon, said trotline having a series of hook carrying leaders sequentially positioned thereon; b. a series of fishhook-retaining compartments carried by said reel and opening generally radially thereof for receiving and retaining said fishhooks from said trotline as it is wound on said reel, each said compartment formed by a bottom and top section separated by first and second spaced sidewalls, and wherein the bottom section of each compartment is angled adjacent its Opening transversely of the first sidewall thereof; and c. a closure member pivotally connected over the opening of each compartment.
 6. The device of claim 1 further comprising diameter control means positioned on said reel for altering the diameter of said reel in response to tension of said trotline.
 7. A device for containing and dispensing a trotline which includes a line having a series of hook-carrying leaders positioned thereon, said device comprising: a. a reel formed of a drum section carrying first and second spaced continuous flanges and adapted to receive said trotline wound thereupon between said flanges: b. a series of partition members positioned on said first flange, providing fishhook compartments, each said compartment comprising an enclosed space of sufficient size to receive a baited fishhook and having an opening generally radially of said reel, and a notch means provided on each partition member and carried adjacent each said opening for frictionally engaging and thereby releasably retaining a leader having its hook inserted within the compartment; and c. a spindle means upon which said reel is rotatably mounted.
 8. The device of claim 10 wherein each of said hook compartments comprises a bottom section and top section separated by first and second sidewall sections.
 9. The device of claim 11 wherein each of said sidewalls for each compartment is angled adjacent the opening of said compartment in identical manner traverse to the radius of said drum.
 10. The device of claim 7 wherein said reel comprises an outer drum section carrying said first flange thereupon and adapted to lock with an inner drum section carrying said second flange thereupon.
 11. The device of claim 7 further comprising an elastic member attached to said reel for connection with said trotline.
 12. The device of claim 10 further comprising diameter control means positioned on the periphery of said drum for controlling the effective diameter thereof in response to tension on said trotline.
 13. The device of claim 10 further comprising a winding knob means positioned on an upper peripheral portion of said drums adjacent said hook compartments.
 14. A device for containing and dispensing a trotline which includes a line having a series of hook-carrying leaders positioned thereon, said device comprising: a. a reel formed of a drum section carrying first and second spaced continuous flanges and adapted to receive said trotline wound thereupon between said flanges; b. a series of hook compartments positioned on said first flange and opening generally radially thereof, each of said compartments comprising a bottom section and a top section separated by first and second sidewall sections, each of said sidewall sections being angled adjacent the opening of said compartment in identical manner transverse to the radius of said drum, and a well section communicating with said bottom section for retaining a reservoir of water, and means for releasably retaining a fishhook of said trotline therewithin; and c. a spindle means upon which said reel is rotatably mounted.
 15. A device for containing and dispensing a trotline which includes a line having a series of hook-carrying leaders positioned thereon, said device comprising: a. a reel formed of a drum section carrying first and second spaced continuous flanges and adapted to receive said trotline wound thereupon between said flanges; b. a series of hook compartments positioned on said first flange and opening generally radially thereof, each compartment comprising a bottom section and a top section separated by first and second sidewall sections, a well section communicating with said bottom section for retaining a reservoir of water, and means for releasably retaining a fishhook of said trotline therewithin; and c. a spindle means upon which said reel is rotatably mounted.
 16. A device for containing and dispensing a trotline which Includes a line having a series of hook-carrying leaders positioned thereon, said device comprising: a. a reel formed of a drum section carrying first and second spaced continuous flanges and adapted to receive said trotline wound thereupon between said flanges; b. a series of hook compartments positioned on said first flange and opening generally radially thereof, each compartment comprising a bottom section and a top section separated by first and second sidewall sections, said bottom section being angled adjacent each opening transversely of the first sidewall thereof; c. a closure member pivotally connected over the opening of each said hook compartment; and d. a spindle means upon which said reel is rotatably mounted.
 17. A device for containing and dispensing a trotline which includes a line having a series of hook-carrying leaders positioned thereon, said device comprising: a. a reel formed of a drum section carrying first and second spaced continuous flanges and adapted to receive said trotline wound thereupon between said flanges, the internal configuration of said reel being hollow and enclosed by said first flange and open at the end adjacent said second flange, said first flange carrying a tubular section extending from the axis thereof into said internal configuration; b. a series of hook compartments positioned on said first flange and opening generally radially thereof, each compartment carrying means for releasably retaining a fishhook of said trotline therewithin; and c. a spindle means journaled through said tubular section, said spindle means carrying seating means adapted to seat on the lower end of said tubular section within said internal configuration.
 18. The device of claim 27 wherein the lower portion of said spindle below said seating means carries an extendable handle section.
 19. A trotline containing and dispensing device comprising: a. a reel section for receiving a trotline wound thereupon, said trotline having a series of hook-carrying leaders sequentially positioned thereon; and b. a series of partition members carried on a base means on said reel providing fishhook-retaining compartments which correspond with said series of hook-carrying leaders, each said compartment comprising an enclosure of sufficient size to receive a baited fishhook and having an opening positioned generally radially of said reel and a notch means provided on said base member and adjacent each opening for frictionally engaging and thereby releasably retaining a leader having its hook inserted within the compartment.
 20. A device for containing and dispensing a trotline which includes a line having a series of hook-carrying leaders positioned thereon, said device comprising: a. a reel formed of a drum section carrying first and second spaced continuous flanges and adapted to receive said trotline wound thereupon between said flanges: b. a series of partition members positioned on said first flange providing fishhook compartments, each said compartment comprising an enclosed space of sufficient size to receive a baited fishhook and having an opening generally radially of said reel, and a notch means provided on said first flange adjacent each said opening for frictionally engaging and thereby releasably retaining a leader having its hook inserted within the compartment; and c. a spindle means upon which said reel is rotatably mounted. 